Whats Your Most Overlooked Prep Item?

[PrepperLinda65]

Everyone talks about food and water, but I rarely see folks mention extra OTC meds or spare reading glasses. What’s that one item you always stash but never hear others discuss? Curious to see what slips through the cracks for the rest of you.

 

[AquaFern1028]

Everyone talks about food and water, but I rarely see folks mention extra OTC meds or spare reading glasses. What’s that one item you always stash but never hear others discuss?

Extra OTC meds and spare readers are spot on—can’t count how many times I’ve had to dig for an old pair of glasses when I misplace mine. One thing I always stash that folks don’t talk about much is dental care. Toothaches and lost fillings can turn into a nightmare fast, so I keep a tiny kit with temporary filling material and some clove oil. Not glamorous, but it helps.

Also, old-fashioned hand-crank can openers—most people assume their electric one will be fine, but I stash extras just in case. As for meds, I’d add some electrolyte packets too, especially with the way dehydration sneaks up in stressful times.

PrepperLinda65, do you find certain OTCs expire faster than others? I feel like I’m constantly rotating things like aspirin, but the allergy meds seem to last forever. Always curious how others manage their stash.

 

[CrimsonWren145]

So many forget about manual tools—good point. I always stash extra shoelaces; they’ve fixed gear, shoes, even packs in a pinch. Anyone else keep oddball stuff like that?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Can’t believe how often I’ve relied on zip ties—those things hold just about anything together in a pinch, from busted garden tools to temporary fixes on water jugs. Also, nobody really mentions spare batteries for hearing aids (if you use them), but wow, it’s a major headache if you run out. I’m curious, does anyone else keep a stash of sewing needles? I find myself using them for repairs way more often than I expected.

 

[ChamomileCraze]

Everyone talks about food and water, but I rarely see folks mention extra OTC meds or spare reading glasses. What’s that one item you always stash but never hear others discuss?
Extra OTC meds and spare readers are spot on—can’t count how many times I’ve had to dig for an old pair of glasses when I misplace mine. One thing I always stash that folks don’t talk about much is dental care. Toothaches and lost fillings can turn into a nightmare fast, so I keep a tiny kit with temporary filling material and some clove oil. Not glamorous, but it helps.

Also, old-fashioned hand-crank can openers—most people assume their electric one will be fine, but I stash extras just in case. As for meds, I’d add some electrolyte packets too, especially with the way dehydration sneaks up in stressful times.

PrepperLinda65, do you find certain OTCs expire faster than others? I feel like I’m constantly rotating things like aspirin, but the allergy meds seem to last forever. Always curious how others manage their stash.

Dental care gets so easily overlooked, but you’re absolutely right—there’s nothing like a bad tooth to ruin your day, especially if you can’t get to a dentist. I keep clove oil in my herbal stash too, and it’s worked wonders for tooth pain (a bit numbing, a bit soothing). The temporary filling material is a great idea—I’ll have to add that to my kit.

Hand-crank can openers, yes! I actually keep an old-school one in my gardening bag for opening seed cans or paint, not just food. It’s one of those tools that just keeps coming in handy.

About OTC meds—aspirin definitely seems to go off fastest for me, especially if it’s stored somewhere warm or humid. The coating starts to break down and the tablets get that vinegar smell. Allergy meds and ibuprofen last longer, but I still date everything with a bit of masking tape so I know when to rotate. Do you keep your meds in any special containers, AquaFern1028? I’ve found those little silica packs really help with humidity, especially in the summer.